6. Changes in the Structure of the Ear Bones
The body changes with age, including the structure of the bones within the middle ear. A condition known as otosclerosis, hardening or a change in the shape of the bones in the middle ear, can occur. The changes of these bones can impact the function of the cochlea, the spiral cavity within the middle ear that contains the Corti, an organ that produces nerve impulses in response to the vibrations that are made by sounds, and plays an integral part in how sounds are heard.
When the function of the cochlea changes, the way in which sound is transmitted to and processed by the brain can change, and the response is often ringing, roaring, or whistling that is associated with tinnitus. The changes in the bones of the middle ear tend to run in families. An ear specialist can determine if this is the cause of your tinnitus.